Anatolian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is Australia's most popular working dog and is used primarily to control sheep. Like the Australian Cattle Dog, the Kelpie was originally bred to work under the hot dry conditions of the Australian Outback. A well-trained and fit Australian Kelpie can do the work of several people and run 40 miles (60 km) per day. As they are excellent sheep dogs, Australian Kelpies are not only used extensively throughout Australia, but also in New Zealand where the climate and terrain are very different. Australian Kelpies can make excellent companion animals and this is now the task for most of them.

 History:

The standard northern breeds of sheep dogs were found wanting by the pioneering Australian shepherds. The imported sheep dogs had difficulty coping with the hot dry conditions and the vast distances that had to be covered. It is believed that during the 1880s Smooth Coated Collies (a Scottish breed) were crossed with Dingoes to produce the basic Australian Kelpie. Then it is likely further cross-breeding took place with other Collies to yield the modern dog. 

Physical characteristics:

The Australian Kelpie is a symmetrical medium-sized dog with an athletic appearance. Height: 17 - 20 in (43 - 51 cm). Weight: 28 - 33 lb (13 - 15 kg). The dark almond-shaped eyes show the intelligence of this dog and the straight upright ears complete the impression of being constantly alert. The long narrow head is supported by an elegant, slightly arched neck over a deep-chested body.

 The straight muscular legs are complemented by arched toes with hard pads. The coat color varies between black, black and tan, red, red and tan, light or dark brown, and blue.

 Behavior:

Some people say that the Australian Kelpie is a difficult dog to control. Certainly the Australian Kelpie is a very confident dog with a strong tendency towards independence. However, just like a high performance motor car, if these characteristics are properly harnessed the Australian Kelpie performs amazingly well. Assertive people find the Australian Kelpie straightforward to train. As it was originally bred from Collie stock, the Australian Kelpie has a very strong chase reflex and a powerful herding instinct. Although it will sometimes defer to larger dogs, if they are slow to move, the Australian Kelpie delights in herding them as it does the sheep.

 The Australian Kelpie has a strong sense of territory. This means that these dogs provide an excellent watch-dog service both in the city as well as the country.

Generally, the Australian Kelpie is sociable with other dogs, but they do have a very strong sense of dominance hierarchy (who is the boss). If several of these dogs are kept together, it is not a good idea to treat them equally. This human sense of "fair play" only results in fighting when the people have left.

 Usually this dog really enjoys the company of people. However, because a trained dog is so valuable, some farmers can not help but allow these dogs to become very dominant. The males in particular can be very aggressive towards people if they think they can push them around. For example, some male Kelpies will not allow workers other than their owner in the same utility truck with them.

 If these dogs are socialized with people from the time they are puppies, they can be excellent family dogs. Nevertheless, it is often necessary to sterilize the males before they become too bossy.

 Although they can be very independent, the Australian Kelpie, like most other dogs, thrives on its owner's attention.

 These dogs were bred to run all day and it is preferable to provide them with lots of exercise. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent dog and if it is not being worked, should be provided with lots of interesting things to do. Otherwise, a bored and under-exercised Australian Kelpie can bark excessively and be destructive.

 Usually the Australian Kelpie is housed outdoors in a simple kennel, content to "rough it" with only a piece of tin to keep the frost off, whereas others assume it is their right to sleep on their owners' beds.

 When working or exercising heavily, the Australian Kelpie should be provided with a fair quantity of food, 1.5 lb (0.75 kg) per day; the amount of food should be gradually reduced during off-work periods.

 The Australian Kelpie has few common ailments but when working, its feet should be regularly checked for any minor injuries. Also, the tips of the ears should be looked at frequently for fly bites, and a repellent used if necessary.

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